It’s become clearer to me to that not everyone had the same “office education” that I did which is interesting. I mentioned once before that people have a really low opinion of the call center which is why I thought it was interesting that I picked up so life education there. Here are some of the biggest lessons I learned:

1. Work Ethic

I was lucky that from my very first day, I was paired up with people who were excellent at their jobs. So I strove for that same level of excellence. When I realised that not every workplace operates like that, it was a culture shock. Why would you not want to perform at your best???

2. Punctuality is Non-Negotiable

In a call center, being late wasn’t an option. Logging in on time wasn’t just about personal discipline—it directly impacted performance metrics and team workflows. I quickly learned that punctuality wasn’t just about avoiding a late mark; it was about reliability and respect for my team.

3. Professionalism Starts with the Basics

One of the first things I learned was how to write a proper email. Clear, concise and professional communication set the tone for how colleagues and clients perceived me. Whether it was crafting a well-structured email, knowing when to CC someone or simply using the right greeting, these small details mattered.

4. How to Handle Different Perspective

This is a skill I’ve noticed not too many people have. Callers have different personalities, mood and expectations but beyond that so do your colleagues. A good call center (sorry, but not all call centers have this) has a mix of people and this mix respects each other. Different backgrounds, cultures, races, personalities all working together to achieve a team goal.

5. Financial Responsibility

One of the most unexpected but valuable lessons I learned was the importance of financial security. Conversations with colleagues made me realize I needed an emergency fund and a retirement savings plan- things I might not have considered so early in my career.

6. Resilience

You do not know resilience until you’ve worked a customer-facing job. There were days when the calls felt endless, the customers were frustrated, and the workload was overwhelming. But I learned how to handle stress, reset after a tough interaction, and keep going. The resilience I built in the call center has helped me handle challenges in every job I’ve had since.

7. Advocate for Yourself

I was lucky to work with a team that taught me to advocate for myself even when it seemed difficult. Whether it was asking for opportunities, voicing concerns or negotiating for a better workload, I learnt to speak up for myself.

Working in a call center was more than just a job-it was a masterclass in professionalism, resilience, and financial literacy. Not everyone had the same experience I did, but for me, it shaped how I approach work and life. The skills I developed there still serve me today, and I wouldn’t trade those lessons for anything.